Hot 'n Healthy: Former athlete finds that exercise can rejuvenate

After running the stairs and doing two 15-second sprints, Remion and Edwards do some isolation moves. They alternate between a lunge and a squat for 30 seconds, theyn switch legs. (Steve Bisson/Savannah Morning News)

After running the stairs and doing two 15-second sprints, Remion and Edwards do some isolation moves. They alternate between a lunge and a squat for 30 seconds, theyn switch legs. (Steve Bisson/Savannah Morning News)

Editor's Note: The New Year is a time for new beginnings. In January, we will highlight individuals who have used exercise to begin anew and overcome challenges.

When Sean Remion was in high school, he played football and baseball. When he graduated from high school, he went to college on a baseball scholarship. At that time, he was 5-foot-9 and weighed 175 pounds.

In March 2009, at age 40, he found himself at 288 pounds. With a job, a wife and two daughters to worry about, he did not take the time to exercise. He thought that chores around the house were enough.

Remion watched his wife, Cari, get up and go to the gym at 5:30 every morning, but he was unaffected. One day, she told him about a new exercise program at the Islands YMCA called "Huge Loser." She asked him to try it with her. Remion reluctantly agreed, dreading the classes.

However, it wasn't long before the pounds started coming off. When people commented on his weight loss, he became more motivated.

In September 2010, Remion's weigh-in at Huge Loser was 214 pounds, a loss of 74 pounds.

Remion runs three to five miles every day, and he credits Huge Loser for his success. Before starting the program, a mile was the longest distance he had ever run in his life, he said. Now, he can run from Wilmington Island to Tybee Island beach.

He recently completed the 10K in the Savannah River Bridge Run in 54 minutes.

Melanie Edwards started Huge Loser at the Islands YMCA in 2008. She brings in nutritionists and offers different methods of exercise in various settings.

One of the locations used by the Huge Loser class is the stairs on River Street. Edwards leads the class in runs on the stairs, alternating lunges and squats, and jumping rope.

Her goal is to help people find an exercise they enjoy and create a buddy system so they will continue to exercise.

"Huge Loser is a place where you can make friends, lose weight and develop an exercise routine," Remion said.

Remion's attitude about food and exercise has totally changed since March 2009. Remion said now he fights stress with exercise, not food.

"I would like to shake 20 more pounds. I want to weigh between 195-200 pounds and be a good role model for my girls."

He's also helping others find change as a leader among the Huge Loser participants. He remembers what it was like when he first started and tries to encourage others.